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Langerak predicts bright future

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak has backed a new generation of Socceroos to come of age as the World Cup qualifying campaign goes down to the wire.

Borussia Dortmund goalkeeper Mitchell Langerak has backed a new generation of Socceroos to come of age as the World Cup qualifying campaign goes down to the wire.

Australia are preparing for a crucial match against Japan in Saitama next Tuesday, before hosting Jordan and Iraq on home soil as they look to secure a berth at the 2014 World Cup finals in Brazil.

Fulham veteran Mark Schwarzer remains the Socceroos' first-choice shot-stopper, but Langerak is eyeing the number one jersey hungrily.

And the former Melbourne Victory man is not the only emerging talent hoping to stake a claim in Holger Osieck's starting 11.

"It's a new generation for the Socceroos with the young boys coming through," Langerak said.

"A lot of the boys are playing regularly and playing at good clubs in good leagues. That's all you can really ask for at this moment. And to have these players doing well for their clubs, winning trophies and competing in Europe, it's fantastic.

"It's only going to be a good thing for the Socceroos in years to come and hopefully we can start to cement ourselves - the future looks good."

As well as Langerak, Tom Rogic has impressed at Celtic since leaving the Central Coast Mariners in January, while Tommy Oar and Michael Zullo helped Utrecht qualify for the UEFA Europa League in the Netherlands' Eredivisie.

And James Holland has collected a championship medal as a member of Austria Vienna's title-winning outfit this season.

Zullo echoed Langerak's belief in the importance of Australia's promising youngsters advancing their development at the highest level.

"When I look at myself three years ago - as a person and a player - I think a lot's changed," he said.

"I've matured a lot in three years. Playing in Europe is tough. You can't understate how tough it is.

"This season has been my most challenging. This year I've stayed mostly injury free ... and (have been) training hard, but still haven't been able to earn as much game-time as I would like, so it's been pretty frustrating.

"I've been part of a very successful team this year and that made it all the more difficult to get in the squad."

Ex-Brisbane Roar defender Zullo is one of several candidates competing for a chance to impress at left-back for the national team, which has proved to be a problem position throughout Osieck's tenure.

"It's quite open," Zullo said.

"There's not really one person who sticks out and clearly is the main left-back.

"Whoever's played there has done quite well, regardless of the fact there's not one clear candidate, there's a few that can play there and play quite well.

"It's just whoever the boss chooses who is most suitable for each game. I hope I can contribute in some way, we'll just wait and see."